DENVER, May 8, 2012 - On a mission to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America is tapping into an innovative way of fundraising for its cause. In a new partnership with Denver-based Inspirato - the destination club for a new generation of luxury consumers - the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is diversifying its fundraising strategies through an array of exclusive luxury vacation experiences that are now open to CCFA's donors via Inspired Giving's new online platform.
Inspirato's Inspired Giving platform, www.inspiredgiving.com, was designed to help charitable organizations like CCFA offer something unique to donors and raise funds year round. Through this partnership, donors who contribute $2,000 to CCFA's cause through the Inspired Giving website gain access to Inspirato's club-managed portfolio of vacation residences and unparalleled personal vacation services in locations ranging from California and Colorado to Hawaii and Mexico.
The Inspired Giving donation model benefits CCFA in a number of ways:
- For every $2,000 donated to CCFA through Inspirato's Inspired Giving website, the donor gains one-time access to an Inspirato luxury vacation - priced at up to 50 percent under market, and without having to pay the $15,000 Inspirato membership fee.
- Inspirato contributes one Inspired Giving vacation experience that CCFA can auction to raise funds. Of those contributed monies, 100 percent goes back to CCFA.
- For every new Inspirato membership that is generated from a donation to CCFA through Inspirato's Inspired Giving, the company gives $2,000 to CCFA as an Inspirato Inspired Giving partner.
In the coming months, CCFA will offer multiple opportunities for supporters to donate to its cause through Inspirato's Inspired Giving. Every dollar of the funds raised will be applied toward CCFA's research initiatives and patient outreach and education.
"Many people may not realize that Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system - and they are on the rise, specifically in the adolescent age group," said Richard Geswell, CEO of CCFA. "Our job is to find a cure, and to educate people. This takes financial resources, and as a nonprofit, we must always be on the lookout for creative fundraising techniques to keep us going. Our partnership with Inspirato is the type of approach that is the future for nonprofits who need to survive a constantly changing market."
For CCFA's donors, the donation and vacation booking experience is simple: the donor is given access to Inspirato's Inspired Giving exclusive web portal, www.inspiredgiving.com, selects CCFA as the charitable organization of choice; and makes a tax-deductible donation of $2,000. That donor is then able to book a vacation to a luxury Inspirato destination and enjoy all that Inspirato members enjoy, including: personalized service from an Inspirato vacation advisor, an on-site destination concierge, and luxurious accommodations ranging from intimate, couples-only, one-bedroom retreats to large, well-appointed homes in excess of 3,000 square feet.
"We are proud to support the mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of American," said Jackie Benton, executive director of Inspired Giving. "This program is perfect for donors who already have a passion for travel and giving back. Now they can utilize dollars allocated toward a luxury vacation experience and make a difference at the same time. When donors use the Inspired Giving website, the foundation receives sustainable support and the donor gets access to unique travel opportunities. It's great for everyone."
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 80 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends going to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccfafb and follow CCFA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa.
Designed specifically for a new generation of luxury consumers, Inspirato offers the best of destination club consistency and service, together with unmatched value, flexibility and low-cost membership. Our members have access to an ever-growing portfolio of luxury homes in the world's top destinations, including California, the Caribbean, Colorado, France, Hawaii, Italy, London, Mexico, New York City and more. By leasing vacation properties (rather than owning), Inspirato is able to keep membership fees low, offer up to 50 percent off market rates, and easily add homes and destinations as demand increases. Our innovative business model has led to rapid growth since our January 2011 launch, placing Inspirato at the forefront of the "luxury for less" movement. For more information about Inspirato, visit www.inspirato.com. Find Inspired Giving on Facebook.